As the countdown to NRF 2026 (11–13 Jan 2026, NYC) continues, we’ve been scouring the conference programme to bring you an inside track on the must-see speakers taking to the stage at Retail’s Big Show.
Following our round-ups of the technology highlights across Expo Floor Levels 1 and Expo Floor Level 3, our top ten session picks, spanning industry legends, tech leaders and disruptors alongside data-driven insight sessions, designed to inspire and deliver actionable takeaways as another rapid-fire year of retailing gets underway.
Fanatics on how a fan-first mindsets are rewriting modern commerce rules
Founder and CEO of global digital sports platform, Fanatics, Michael Rubin, sets out how disruptive strategies are reshaping the future of retail – and why traditional commerce playbooks are no longer fit for purpose in a world of rapidly shifting consumer expectations.
In this opening keynote, Rubin explores how moves across vertical integration, real-time manufacturing and direct-to-consumer (DTC) agility are redefining how products are created, sold and experienced.
Drawing on Fanatics’ partnerships spanning sports leagues, teams and athletes worldwide, Rubin shares how a fan-first approach – rooted in deep loyalty and cultural relevance – is driving a new blueprint for commerce that extends far beyond sports retail.
When and where: Sun 11 Jan 2026 | 09.15 – 09.45am | Vusion Theatre
Further details: Rewriting the commerce playbook – a conversation with Fanatics Founder and CEO Michael Rubin.
Google and Alphabet’s CEO on AI & the future of retail
Retail is entering a new era shaped by a profound technology platform shift, as AI moves from experimentation to core infrastructure.
In this keynote session, Google and Alphabet’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, outlines why AI represents a fundamental rewiring of technology and a powerful accelerant of human ingenuity.
Pichai will also be joined by John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S., for a fireside chat on how Google and Walmart are applying AI in practice.
When and where: Sun 11 Jan 2026 | 09.45 – 10.15am | Vusion Theatre
Further details: The AI platform shift and the opportunity ahead for retail
Mango, Coach & Victoria’s Secret & Co share who they’re rethinking global growth
As brands look to grow on the global stage in 2026, success increasingly depends on rethinking what it means to be truly international.
Join this session to learn how Coach, Mango and Victoria’s Secret are redefining global growth, sharing insights into how they are expanding through direct-to-consumer, wholesale and marketplace models and what it takes to serve the global customer in an increasingly fragmented retail landscape.
When and where: Sun 11 Jan 2026 | 11.20am – 11.50am | Mirakl Stage
Further details: Building bold global brands in 2026 – strategy, scale and staying power
SharkNinja’s CEO on using consumer obsession to power product innovation
SharkNinja has evolved from a modest home appliance company into a product innovation powerhouse with $5.5billion in annual revenue in 2024.
In a fireside chat, Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, shares how a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs, behaviours and aspirations underpins the company’s product strategy and culture.
Barrocas outlines how brands of all sizes can embed consumer-centric thinking into their innovation DNA to stay ahead in a market where customers increasingly set the agenda.
When and where: Sun 11 Jan 2026 | 2.00pm – 2.30pm | Vusion Theatre
Further details: Designing for devotion: the power of consumer-obsessed product innovation with SharkNinja
LVMH outlines how intelligence can scale luxury experiences
In this mainstage conversation, Gonzague de Pirey, Chief Omnichannel and Data Officer at LVMH, and Soumia Hadjali, Global SVP of Client Development & Digital at Louis Vuitton, explore how AI and advanced digital capabilities are being embedded across the LVMH Group to amplify creativity, empower artisans and store teams, and deepen client relationships.
Using real-world examples from Louis Vuitton, the discussion will examine how intelligence is being applied across personalisation, clienteling, demand forecasting and omnichannel execution – all while remaining largely invisible to the end customer.
When and where: Sun 11 Jan 2026 | 3pm – 3.30pm | Vusion Theatre
Further details: Where craft meets intelligence: how LVMH is reimagining luxury for the modern consumer.
How Gen Z is using AI to shop for fashion with True Religion, Calvin Klein and The Z Suite.
This interactive session is moderated by Kristin D’Arcy, CMO at Gen Z apparel favourite, True Religion, in conversation with members of The Z Suite – a network of Gen Z thinkers who advise retailers and brand.
Curious about Gen Z’s perspective on AI-enabled customer experiences and the role it plays in their purchasing decisions?
Join this session to learn first-hand how Gen Z integrates AI into shopping journeys, customer service interactions and everyday life, and gain insight into what they expect from the social platforms where they discover products and make purchases.
Joining Kristin onstage are Clay Lute, Global Merchant for Men’s Denim at Calvin Klein and The Z Suite speaker and consultant, alongside fellow Z Suite members Sofia Sahai, Naomi Barrales and Olivia Meyer.
When and where: Mon 12 Jan 2026 | 10.30am – 11.00am | Klaviyo Stage.
Further details: The Z Suite Meets the CMO: Insights into how Gen Z Is using AI to shop for fashion
Using a creator mindset to succeed on TikTok Shop with Crocs, Pacsun and Tarte Cosmetics
With TikTok Shop recording a sale every 27 seconds in the UK during Black Friday, the platform is an undeniable juggernaut reshaping the digital retail landscape.
However, commercial success on TikTok Shop depends on creating content that feels native and authentic, while still delivering against brand objectives and tone of voice.
This session offers insights from Crocs, Pacsun and Tarte Cosmetics on the strategies they have deployed to drive growth and performance on the platform.
When and where: Mon 12 Jan 2026 | 11.20am – 11.50am | Mirakl Stage
Further details: Think like a marketer, act like a creator: Brands share their secrets to success on TikTok Shop
How AI is reshaping fashion and beauty paths to purchase with COS, Sephora and Zalando
AI is fundamentally changing how consumers discover, consider and convert – from hyper-personalised media to site experiences that feel more like dialogue than a digital shelf.
Moderated by Brendan Witcher, Principal Analyst at Forrester, this session features Linda Li Steiner, MD of COS North America; Nadine Graham, SVP and GM of Ecommerce at Sephora; and Matthias Haase, VP of Content Solutions at Zalando.
The panel unpacks how their brands are experimenting with AI at every stage of the path to purchase – discovery, media and site – and explores how these innovations are driving results, what remains emergent and how to balance experimentation with long-term brand-building.
When and where: Mon 12 Jan 2026 | 10.30am – 11.00am | Mirakl Stage
Further details: Rewired: How AI is reshaping the path to purchase in fashion and beauty.
Gymshark CEO Ben Francis & SKIMS on build a generational brand through commerce and culture
As the lines between commerce, culture and community continue to blur, building an brand in the 21st century requires more than scale or speed – it demands conviction, creativity and a willingness to break convention.
Taking the stage for this off-script session are Emma Grede, Founding Partner of SKIMS and Ben Francis, Founder and CEO of Gymshark, who are joined by Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify.
Together, they will share the lessons, mindset and insights behind building brands that dominate culture.
When and where: Mon 12 Jan 2026 | 2.30pm – 3.00pm | Vusion Theatre
Further details: “The Icons” – An off-script discussion about building the defining brands of the 21st Century
The retail economic outlook for North American in 2026 with J.P. Morgan
As the saying goes, ‘When America sneezes, the world catches a cold’ – neatly summing up why the outlook for the U.S. economy matters far beyond its borders.
This session, led by Joyce Chang, Chair of Global Research at J.P. Morgan, examines what 2026 could hold for the world’s largest economy – and the ripple effects for global retail.
In an era defined by shifting consumer expectations, demographic change and technological acceleration, Joyce’s session unpacks the key macroeconomic trends influencing demand, supply chain resilience and the evolving retail landscape.
When and where: Tue 13 Jan 2026 | 10.30am – 11.00am | Mirakl Stage
Further details: North American retail economic outlook 2026: What’s next for consumers, retailers and the connected economy
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